Kenyan long distance runner Albert Korir has been handed a five year ban after admitting to the use of a banned performance enhancing substance, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on Monday.
The 32 year old, who won the New York City Marathon in 2021, tested positive for a synthetic form of erythropoietin during out of competition testing conducted in Kenya in October. The substance enhances endurance by increasing red blood cell production.
According to the Athletics Integrity Unit, Korir sanction was reduced from six years to five following his early admission and acceptance of the violation. The suspension took effect on 8 January 2026 and will run until 7 January 2031.
The body said multiple positive tests provided clear evidence of the athlete use of prohibited substances on more than one occasion. As part of the ruling, all of Korir results from October have been disqualified.
This includes his third place finish at the 2024 New York City Marathon, where he clocked 2:08:58. Britain runner Patrick Dever has been elevated to third place following the disqualification.
Career and doping scrutiny
Korir rose to prominence after winning the 2021 New York City Marathon in 2:08:22. He also recorded strong performances in subsequent years, including runner up finishes in 2019 and 2023, and a third place finish in 2024.
He also won the Ottawa Marathon in 2019 and 2025, establishing himself among Kenya elite marathon runners. His personal best of 2:06:57, set in 2023, ranked him among the country top performers.
Korir suspension adds to a growing list of doping cases involving Kenyan athletes. The country has faced sustained scrutiny since being declared noncompliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Since then, more than 140 Kenyan runners have been sanctioned for doping offences, most of them long distance athletes.
The case follows that of Ruth Chepngetich, who received a three year ban after admitting to using hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic often used as a masking agent.
In June 2024, Kenya handed its first lifetime ban to Beatrice Toroitich, while 10km record holder Rhonex Kipruto received a six year suspension.
Kenyan authorities have since intensified anti doping efforts in collaboration with global bodies as the sport seeks to restore credibility and ensure fair competition.